14-in Mark IV Torpedo (UK)

14-in R.L Mark IV

The 14-in R.L. Mark IV Torpedo was an early British torpedo manufactured by the Royal Laboratory.

A Royal Navy order of 50 of the new model was made in the 1883-84 fiscal year, with 30 the following year.

In 1885, the British diversified their manufacture base by giving Messrs. Greenwood and Batley of Leeds a contract to build 100 units at a rate of 20 per year.

Also in 1885, however, the Royal Laboratory at Woolwich was asked to move on to the Mark V model and received an order to make 200 of them.

52 Mark IV torpedoes were found to average 23.69 knots (ranging from 22 to 25.5 knots) over 600 yards with a 70 pound charge of dry gun-cotton in water temperatures between 50 and 70 degrees.

In 1893, the Mark IV (but not the Mark IV*) were to be replaced when newer units became available.

An extensive report on torpedoes being adjusted at the test ranges shows the Mark IV is not in use in 1896.

In 1919, it was approved to break up all 14-in torpedoes except for a reserve of fifty each of 14-in Mark X* torpedo and 14-in Mark XI torpedo.

Mark IV

The particulars are detailed in the Annual Report of the Torpedo School, 1883.

Mark IV*

An extensive report on torpedoes being adjusted at the test ranges shows the Mark IV* is still in use in 1896, as some were run at Horsea:

• one R.L. torpedo averaged 22.33 knots at 600 yards in 52 degree water.
• two R.L. torpedoes brought in for repair averaged 20.78 knots at 600 yards in 56 degree water.
• one G&B torpedo averaged 20.69 knots at 600 yards in 68 degree water.
• four G&B torpedoes brought in for repair averaged 20.85 knots at 600 yards in 43.25 degree water.